In Brittany, an investigation for rape opened against two priests

An investigation for “rape” was opened against two priests from the pastoral area of ​​Loudéac (Côtes-d'Armor), after accusations made by two women.

“Before Christmas, I learned with sadness of the indictment of two priests from the pastoral area of ​​Loudéac. Two adult women came forward to the Church to complain about their behavior”revealed, Saturday January 11, the bishop of Saint-Brieuc and Tréguier, M^gr Denis Moutel, in a press release.

“In accordance with the protocol signed between the diocese and the Saint-Brieuc public prosecutor's office, I informed the public prosecutor. A complaint was also filed by one of the complainants with the gendarmerie”added M^gr Denis Moutel, wishing “let the truth be revealed about the actions denounced. »

A preliminary investigation in progress

Requested by Agence France-Presse, the Saint-Brieuc prosecutor, Nicolas Heitz, confirmed Monday “that a preliminary investigation is underway into the charge of rape following a complaint from an adult victim” in this folder. The investigations were entrusted to the research brigade of the Saint-Brieuc gendarmerie company, said Mr. Heitz, who did not wish to comment further on the nature and circumstances of the facts.

While awaiting the conclusions of the investigation, the Bishop of Saint-Brieuc “asked the two priests in question to withdraw from their mission” and suspended them from all ministry “as a precautionary measure”while recalling that they are both presumed innocent.